Among the many responsibilities of being a parent, proper and regular oral hygiene practices for your children should be near the top of the list. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) emphasizes that the way to decrease children’s tooth decay is by visiting a dentist early on. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease, yet 90 percent of all tooth decay is easily preventable. There are many steps that you as a parent can take to make sure your children receive proper dental care.
The earlier the dental visit the better chance of preventing dental problems such as cavities. Fluoride use is also important for young children as well. Children require fluoride to help developing teeth grow strong, and it also helps prevent tooth decay/cavities in older children. Bottled water products might not contain fluoride, so try to find a product that does contain it. Healthy eating habits are essential as well. Parents should make sure their children are eating a balanced diet and limit the amount of snacking, especially sugary treats, which can increase a child’s risk of developing cavities.
Proper preventive care, fluoride use, and a balanced diet are key to preventing tooth decay and cavities in young children. If you have any concerns or questions about fluoride use for your children or any questions regarding pediatric dental care, feel free to contact Huntingdon Valley Dental Arts. Dr. Zola Makrauer and Dr. Julie Miller would be more than happy to assist you. Together we can ensure your children minimize their risk of developing cavities and other dental problems along the way.